Christ Church Magazine, December 2011

X-mas?

There has been a lot of hype and hot air in the last few months. Viewers
of the television show called ‘The X-Factor’ (the ‘singing’ competition
with its round by round elimination of singers), may be relieved that the
end is in sight. Who will have the X-factor to impress the judges, woo the
public vote and so be propelled into stardom? After a long and turbulent
competition, with upsets, gossip and surprise comebacks, the contestant’s
emotions are ready to erupt as the winner of a record contract is
identified.
It has been a fascinating and popular piece of media that continues to
attract huge viewing figures. The line that runs, ‘I’m a nobody and just I
want to be a somebody’ is a powerful sound-bite and leads to callers
hoping to make ‘the biggest dream of my life’ come true. Yet this is
media creation and it is plugging into the celebrity culture that continues
to roll on and on. Today, being a media star and entering the list of the
rich and famous is held in high esteem.
This Christmas we celebrate the arrival of the Son of God onto the world
stage. The judges didn’t warm to him, but the public recognised his sheer
quality. His entire life showed that this one person had the true X-factor
which would have an impact on the world. Jesus Christ stands out in
history as the one who uniquely came from heaven to earth. In his earthly
ministry his voice brought life and light. Listen to a summary of the
importance of Christ: ‘we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the
angels, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death,
so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone’ (Hebrews
2v9). The wonder of Christmas is that Jesus didn’t stand on the world
stage for either fame or fortune, but for our forgiveness. The one who
lived in heaven came to earth to suffer death in order to bring us the gift
of life.
You may get caught up with X-mas, but why not
come and join us celebrate Christmas – where
Jesus is at the heart of the celebrations? When we
discover why this is the case then we can celebrate
all year-round. This is a glorious discovery!
I look forward to seeing you at a service and hope
that you have a happy Christmas.
Paul Kingman

Christ Church Magazine, December 2011